JR Hakata City
This largest train building / retail complex in Kyushu is directly connected to JR Hakata Station. It is made up of AMU Plaza Hakata, and Hakata Hankyu at the Hakata Entrance on the west side and HAKATA DEITOS and AMU EST at the Chikushi Entrance on the east side.
If you're staying near the station or coming back at night, this place is perfect—you can shop, grab a bite, and pick up souvenirs all in one go.
Cha Cha Town Kokura
A large shopping mall with a variety of attractions, including a large movie theater with 10 screens, a game center, nationally famous stores, and brands from Kyushu. Stores are scattered throughout the spacious premises, making you feel as if you are visiting street stores in the city.
Shopping here isn’t as cutting-edge or trendy as the big department stores in Tokyo, but it’s a great value and feels much more relaxed and laid-back.
Hakodate Meiji-kan
The Bay Area is a popular tourist destination in Hakodate. The Hakodate Meiji-kan is a commercial facility located in one section of the bay area, where you can find stores selling products perfect for Hakodate souvenirs.
The glassware and craft shops here display some beautiful glass items. I recommend picking up a few of these lovely souvenirs to take home.
Motomachi Park (Hakodate)
Nestled in at the base of Mount Hakodate, Motomachi Park offers unforgettable, sprawling views out over Hakodate Port. The park was first established 1982 as home to a number of cultural heritage buildings, including the former Hokkaido Government Hakodate Branch Office, the old Hakodate Magistrate's Office Book Depository and nationally designated Important Cultural Property, the former Hakodate Ward Public Hall.
You can get a great view of all of Hakodate from here. Motomachi Park is an awesome spot to watch the sunset and enjoy the night scenery.
Dorogawa Onsen
En no Gyoja is said to have opened the trail “Omine-Okugakemichi,” which is now included in the World Heritage “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.” At the heart of the Heritage, stands Mt. Sanjogadake, the holy mountain for those who practice mountaineering asceticism, where they still keep females out to this day. Their temple, Ominesanji, is at the mountain top. Dorogawa Onsen is at the entrance of the trail to Mt. Sanjogadake, lined with more than 20 inns and lodges.
Located at the entrance to the Mt. Omine trail, this old-fashioned hot spring town has a great nostalgic vibe. The air is fresh and the scenery is beautiful.
National Treasure, Ruriko-ji Temple, Five-storied Pagoda
In 1399, Ouchi Yoshihiro was killed in the Oei War. His brother, Morimi, planned to build a pagoda to memorialize Yoshihiro and completed it in 1442.
A famous cherry blossom spot in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The five-storied pagoda makes for especially beautiful photos!
Izumi Fumoto Samurai Houses
This group of samurai houses is on 46 hectares, equivalent to 9 Tokyo Domes and the biggest in the prefecture. Although these houses were rebuilt, the districting, stone walls and hedges reflect the image from 400 years ago to this day.
The Japanese-style gardens are beautifully maintained. It would be really comfortable to live here.